What big shots jam to

Kenya's bigshot reveal what is on their playlist. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • I listen to a pool of music every day; it’s a crime not to listen to music. I also love UB40 and the Bee Gees. Occasionally I throw in a little rock music; just give me an MP3, I don’t care if it’s the same song done in different versions, I will listen to it.
  • Countdown by Joey Alexander is on my playlist. Such unbelievable piano from a 14-year-old. He sends shivers down my back every time I hear him. My wish for the year? To have him play at our Safaricom International Jazz Festival.
  • I do not have a specific artiste or music that I can say I am listening to. My music selection depends on my mood. Having said that, the three genres of music that I tend to circle are rhumba, reggae and soul.

Ronald Karauri, sportpesa CEO

My playlist has a lot of hip hop and Naija music. I grew up listening to Jay Z, Common and the likes. Right now, the songs I am listening to are Bad and Boujee by Migos, Young MA’s Ooouuu, Daddy Yo by Wizkid, Pana and Duro by Tekno and Keys to the City by Tiwa Savage. I play a lot of Common and Jay Z music but when I have children in the car, I play Michael Jackson. In Kenya, I like Kaka Sungura’s Ligi Soo remix.

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Victor Wanyama, Soccer player

I listen to African music, and top on my list is Fally Ipupa and Wizkid. I do not have any favourite song in particular, but I gravitate towards any song with a lot of drum beats. Diamond Platnumz’s songs are also on my playlist.

I listen to music first thing in the morning when I wake up, then dance my way to the shower. However, before every big game I listen only to local gospel music for about 45 minutes before I go to the pitch. At this time, my phone is usually off.

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Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Makueni Senator

The genre of music I play depends on the occasion, but I’m 100 per cent a fan of soul. I will get any excuse to listen to 80s and 90s soul music.

Some of my favourite musicians include Madonna, of yore — you know the Like A Prayer Madonna — and Kylie Minogue.

I listen to a pool of music every day; it’s a crime not to listen to music. I also love UB40 and the Bee Gees. Occasionally I throw in a little rock music; just give me an MP3, I don’t care if it’s the same song done in different versions, I will listen to it.

Music is the reason I drag myself from home to work.

In high school, I used to love listening to the Winans. I will throw in Kirk Franklin as a bonus.

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James Mworia, CEO, Centum

I listen to different genres of music, so I really don’t have a particular favourite genre. But top on my list is RnB, jazz, classic music and not forgetting rhumba. If I’m listening to local music, then it’s Sauti Sol’s Kuliko Jana. I love listening to it with my son. Most likely, you will find me bumping along to some of my favourite tunes in the car or while at the gym.

The musicians I listen to on iTunes include Motown’s greats,  such as Marvin Gaye.

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Bob Collymore, safaricom ceo

Countdown by Joey Alexander is on my playlist. Such unbelievable piano from a 14-year-old. He sends shivers down my back every time I hear him. My wish for the year? To have him play at our Safaricom International Jazz Festival.

Arun Ghosh is a brilliant British Jazz artiste who is one of the artistes joining us at this year’s jazz festival in February. His Indo-Jazz album, A South Asian Suite, is my current go-to for happy music. Miles Davies’ Autumn Leaves is  good for unwinding. It’s one of his most iconic tracks.

One of my all-time favourite artistes is Nina Simone. Her song, I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl takes me back to my early days while growing up in Britain when I was starting to explore music. My list would not be complete without Sauti Sol. These young men make me so proud. They take their craft seriously and they’re making waves globally.

I’d just be happier if they would buy new clothes that don’t have holes in them, and are not so tight!

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Joe Muganda, Nation Media Group CEO

I do not have a specific artiste or music that I can say I am listening to. My music selection depends on my mood. Having said that, the three genres of music that I tend to circle are rhumba, reggae and soul. I was a heavy reggae fan back in my youth during the days of Sanchez, Dennis Brown, Coco T, Burning Spear and Gregory Isaacs. I still listen to reggae but I feel like today’s genre has transcended the struggle music that made it very popular and appealed to everybody.

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Ezekiel Kemboi - Olympic gold medalist

I listen to all sorts of music as long as it is good, especially rhumba. If the song flows well, then that’s alright with me.

I don’t have a specific genre that I favour. I love all the musicians, more so the local ones, because most of them are my role models. Before a big race or practice session I will switch on the television and watch news either on CNN or BBC.

By the way, I don’t have music in my phone. If I want to listen to good music, I go to iTunes and select what I’m in the mood for.

Peter Nduati, ceo of resolution group

I’m listening to Tu Hi Hai by Arjit Singh. I watched the movie Dear Zindagi during the festive season and the song was featured in the film.

Also Muziki by Darasa featuring Ben Pol. I spent a lot of time in Tanzania towards the end of last year and it was the biggest song in Dar.

I have Run by Bell Biv Devoe on my playlist as well. I grew up dancing to BBD. They are back with a new album and this is the lead single.

I’m also listening to Star of the Show by Thomas Rhett because it reminds me of someone. If you want to advise a child, this is the song: Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw. It was huge in 2016. I play it over and over for my daughter and so it reminds me of her.

I have listened to all these songs daily since the year opened.